ASSESSMENTS AND POTENTIALS: AKWETE HAND WOVEN TEXTILES IN IGBO WOMEN CONTEMPORARY FASHION

Abstract

Akwete Igbo woven cloth which centres on tradition and historical significance is an ancient vocation of the females of Akwete town situated in Ndoki and Asa areas of Ukwa East Local Government Area in Abia Sate of Nigeria. The colourful ornamented cloth decorated with various symbolic design motifs woven into the fabric to create striking designs in the history of traditional weaving in the world today is credited to the Igbo. They are normally woven to be utilized as two wrappers for women; usually complemented with a matching blouse and a headgear. The men also wear them. This study has observed that Akwete woven fabrics are not frequently utilized in the contemporary fashion scene like some of its indigenous counterparts hence it has become imperative to access the weaving tradition. A survey research design was adopted and a five-point liker scale questionnaire, in depth interviews, focus group discussions and observations were also adopted as research instruments. The results were observed and analyzed using qualitative tool of photography and descriptive statistical tools of mean and standard deviation. One of the findings is that there is a decline in the use of the woven fabric for contemporary fashion. It recommends that the Igbo should adopt these woven fabrics during special occasions instead of the penchant for foreign fabrics, this will spur the weavers to produce more that will serve as many as possible and also project it to limelight. And this will in no doubt be appreciated by the Igbo and beyond, thereby meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the potential users in the 21st century.